Semaglutide is an effective weight loss medication that can provide significant improvements in health for patients who are overweight or obese. Getting treated with semaglutide at our Renew Hormone Clinic clinic offers many advantages:
Semaglutide has life-changing weight loss potential with cardiometabolic benefits that can dramatically improve health and quality of life when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Semaglutide is an injectable prescription drug for chronic weight management. Chemically it is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue with 94% structural homology to human GLP-1 which is why it works. GLP-1 hormones released after meals target areas of the hindbrain which control appetite signaling the feeling of fullness and satiety.
Semaglutide was originally developed for type 2 diabetes then later approved for obesity at a higher dose. It is branded under the names OzempicĀ® and WegovyTM depending on the dose and indication.
The mechanism of action involves:
Over nearly 2 years patients on 2.4 mg semaglutide weekly lost a median of 15.2% body weight per pivotal trials while the comparator group lost 2.6% on placebo.
Losing 10-15% or more of excess body weight on semaglutide provides extensive meaningful benefits including:
There are 2 main formulations and dosing options for obesity treatment:
Higher doses tend to produce better efficacy but may increase gastrointestinal side effects so dosage needs to be optimized. We utilize both options to best fit individual patient needs and insurance coverage.
Convenient subcutaneous self-injections at home provide flexible weight loss therapy with proven results
The first step we take at Renew Hormone Clinic when a patient comes to us wishing to lose weight or gain control over eating behaviors is to test key hormone levels. Even a slight imbalance can drive hunger, cravings, and prevent efficient fat burning metabolism. We check:
Thyroid disorders are very common, underdiagnosed, and can certainly prevent weight loss. We check TSH, Free T4, Free T3, reverse T3 and antibodies. Treatment of clinical or subclinical hypo/hyperthyroidism can help reset metabolic factors.
Imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone or related hormones often manifest as difficulty losing/gaining weight typically in a patterned distribution. Normalizing hormones alleviates symptoms and recalibrates metabolism.
Elevated or dysfunctional patterns of the stress hormone cortisol communicate danger to the body preventing fat mobilization. We evaluate AM/PM levels, patterns, and patient symptoms for insight. Supporting healthy stress response is key.
Detailed lab testing provides the data needed to detect potential metabolic hurdles to weight loss. Individualized treatment restores balance improving responsiveness to lifestyle changes and medications.
Our goal at Renew Hormone Clinic is to provide patients struggling with excess stubborn weight comprehensive care combining advanced hormone balancing strategies with prescription medications like semaglutide for better outcomes.
We thoughtfully design customized plans for each patient including:
By utilizing progressive solutions matched to identify deficiencies patients see enhanced results compared to single therapy options.
Our compassionate providers, nurses, dietitians, and staff synergize to support patients in achieving weight loss milestones and improved wellness. We realize managing obesity related health challenges can be complex and frustrating. We leverage our expertise so patients feel empowered, hopeful and accountable.
Our integrative approach combines targeted diagnostics, innovative interventions, and patient empowerment for life-changing weight loss with optimal health.
Semaglutide is structurally similar to a human hormone called GLP-1 that regulates blood sugar. When injected, it mimics the effects of naturally occurring GLP-1, stimulating the release of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. This novel mechanism helps explain semaglutide's efficacy in improving glycemic control for those with type 2 diabetes.
Early on, semaglutide can cause temporary gastrointestinal distress - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. This subsides as the body adjusts usually in 4-8 weeks. If severe, adjust dosing. Headaches or fatigue may occur. Gallbladder issues rarely may require imaging.
In clinical trials semaglutide patients lost 15-18% body weight over 68 weeks vs 2-3% for placebo. However results vary based on dosage, duration, diet, exercise and adjunct treatments. Typical is 10% in 6 months. We monitor progress to optimize results.
Semaglutide requires prior authorization which we specialize in obtaining approval for per your policy. Often needs documentation of past efforts plus medical necessity based on obesity related health risks. Out-of-pocket costs range $1000-1500 monthly without coverage.
Guidelines recommend continuing until 20% weight loss or for up to 2 years. Losing maximum weight before plateauing then transitioning to alternative maintenance plans prevents regaining lost pounds. Expect 50-70% of lost weight regained over 5 years after stopping.We have extensive experience managing payor requirements to help patients access obesity medications plus optimizing adherence and results long-term for lasting success.
Our clinic focuses specifically on hormone balancing strategies with vast experience using medications like semaglutide as a key component of tailored plans for stubborn, difficult obesity cases. We live and breathe endocrinology!
We realize failing over and over with attempted weight loss is emotionally exhausting. Our team actively partners with patients providing ongoing accountability, motivation, coaching and problem solving for the marathon ahead. We are your tireless allies!
Our patients overwhelmingly comment on the caring, judgement-free environment we cultivate. We appreciate the frustration and sensitivity surrounding living with obesity in a society that often lacks understanding. Compassion with accountability, always.
We encourage you to call and schedule an obesity consult to see if our customized outpatient programs incorporating exciting therapies like semaglutide could be your key to unlocking dramatic weight loss and renewed health!